Excusing Americans

[BustyTheClown]

Is there an excuse for Americans? We catch SO much damn flak, and I'm just wondering why. Don't get me wrong, I make fun of Americans and I AM one -- but there seems to be a difference between Americans making fun of each other and the rest of the world making fun of them. Don't just respond with mindless crap about how we're stupid and selfish. Tell me real reasons WHY Americans deserve to be loathed, hated, and ridiculed all the time.

I expect some political reasons regarding our government, our current President, our foreign relationships, etc. But I don't care about that. Believe it or not, I am not my government. In other words, I am not a rich, white, over-40 male. What's more, I voted for Gore, and the government that is now in place does not represent me -- nor does it represent the majority of the country. We could debate that for hours, but give me something else to cling on to.

So, aside from political reasons, what is so terrible about Americans? Why do people think we deserve to be ridiculed SO much?

 

[Willing and Unsure]

the only thing i can think of is that many people see the people of the country as represented by the government we have. and since our government is currently comprised of upper class white conservative males, and they have this thought that they need to protect us from everything.

anywyas, aside from political issues i'd say that some people disagree with the nation as a whole on its religious views, let alone political views. and i would say that the religion thing lies more heavily as a reason than anything else.

 

[lobito]

because (some) people who live outside the U.S. only know about "us" form what they hear on the radio, or see on TV shows. And think we're all bad.

 

[carly10]

the only thing i can think of is that many people see the people of the country as represented by the government we have. and since our government is currently comprised of upper class white conservative males, and they have this thought that they need to protect us from everything.

anywyas, aside from political issues i'd say that some people disagree with the nation as a whole on its religious views, let alone political views. and i would say that the religion thing lies more heavily as a reason than anything else.

\\

I think any country that you live in is going to get insulted for some things and complimented on others. Canadians have a different rep than Americans from what I've seen and it definitely doesn't flatter us on most occasions. Maybe the scenery once in a while but usually the people are portrayed as super-simple, extremely friendly, dolts... so we do it back but gently, hee-hee,

 

[Texan]

I guess I better stay out of this thread.... since I'm an over-40 white male who voted for Bush. Who, BTW, doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks of the U.S. or Americans, at least not enough to whine about it on the internet.

 

[CelestialBody]

A Couple of Threads that

 

[morninggirl5]

Texan, I think you just hit on the real reason for so much of the US bashing. On the whole, we really *don't* care what the rest of the world thinks.

 

[Sateema Lunasi]

I think I can post as a fairly unbiased person. I was raised mostly in Iceland which doesn't give a french fried fuck about America so they don't bother poking fun at them. I live in America now and like it, but here is how I see it.

I think everyone (countries I mean) poke fun at some other country. We (in America) make fun of the French (they smell), the Germans (Achtung!), Asian countries (go to an asian resturaunt and try not to read names on the menu without a funny Asian accent), Russians (commies), etcetera. You just notice people making fun of you because you are in a prolific country.

People don't make fun of Iceland cause most people don't even know it is a country.

 

[Ishmael]

I guess I better stay out of this thread.... since I'm an over-40 white male who voted for Bush. Who, BTW, doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks of the U.S. or Americans, at least not enough to whine about it on the internet.

You speak for me also.

Ishmael

 

[Problem Child]

It's good ta be da king.

 

[Ishmael]

It's good ta be da king.

Very good!!! *Here ya go, have some of this imported brie to go with the California wine.*

Ishmael

 

[BustyTheClown]

I guess I better stay out of this thread.... since I'm an over-40 white male who voted for Bush. Who, BTW, doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks of the U.S. or Americans, at least not enough to whine about it on the internet.

I dont' know about you, but I have realized that our image to the rest of the world actually does have an affect on the way the rest of the world treats us. I think a lot of Americans -- like you or not -- haven't realized that. For instance, I'm terribly worried about what the Middle East thinks of us for the ridiculous role we've played in the whole "war against terrorism" and now the battle between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Besides, Bush's blatant ignorance about what the international community thinks about the United States is one of the biggest problems I see facing him and his administration. That is a dangerous position to take when the world doesn't just depend on America to function, but also the rest of the countries, working together to make the world a better place on the whole for us to live in. Believe it or not, it's pretty much a team effort, and for Bush -- and Americans -- to flout their excellence in the face of other nations who make just as many contributions to the world society as America does is foolish and, I think, offensive.

Please pardon my "whining," but I find ego-centrism a problem. Maybe you should, too.

 

[CelestialBody]

 

[BustyTheClown]

Busty, don't bother, you're a college student, you're egocentric.

I guess I lose this round, eh?

 

[Problem Child]

Very good!!! *Here ya go, have some of this imported brie to go with the California wine.*

Ishmael

That stinky Frog cheese? No thanks, I'll take a fine California cheddar. It's real cheese.

 

[perks]

That stinky Frog cheese? No thanks, I'll take a fine California cheddar. It's real cheese.

Vermont Cheddar, please. Cabot, to be exact.

 

[Ishmael]

That stinky Frog cheese? No thanks, I'll take a fine California cheddar. It's real cheese.

Insensitive pagan, Frog cow milkers need the American dollar too. Where is your interest in foriegn affairs? <Is the cheddar really good this year?>

Ishmael

 

[Problem Child]

Insensitive pagan, Frog cow milkers need the American dollar too. Where is your interest in foriegn affairs? <Is the cheddar really good this year?>

Ishmael

Fuck those bastards. Their agriculture is so heavily protected even the farmers get a six-week paid vacation every year.

We make better wine anyway. And the cheese is always good cuz our cows are smarter.

 

[koalabear]

Is there an excuse for Americans? We catch SO much damn flak, and I'm just wondering why. Don't get me wrong, I make fun of Americans and I AM one -- but there seems to be a difference between Americans making fun of each other and the rest of the world making fun of them. Don't just respond with mindless crap about how we're stupid and selfish. Tell me real reasons WHY Americans deserve to be loathed, hated, and ridiculed all the time.

I expect some political reasons regarding our government, our current President, our foreign relationships, etc. But I don't care about that. Believe it or not, I am not my government. In other words, I am not a rich, white, over-40 male. What's more, I voted for Gore, and the government that is now in place does not represent me -- nor does it represent the majority of the country. We could debate that for hours, but give me something else to cling on to.

So, aside from political reasons, what is so terrible about Americans? Why do people think we deserve to be ridiculed SO much?

When your number one, the rest get jealous. Yet they come here to get away from thier own countries. Go figure.

 

[Ishmael]

Fuck those bastards. Their agriculture is so heavily protected even the farmers get a six-week paid vacation every year.

We make better wine anyway. And the cheese is always good cuz our cows are smarter.

<nodding> Forgot about the cows. Harvard grads, aren't they?

Iahmael

 

[TWB]

Ask pp_man. He'll tell you.

 

[Problem Child]

Stanford. Remember, we're talking California cheese here.

 

[BustyTheClown]

Ask pp_man. He'll tell you.

Lol I'm sure he will. Let's see if he can keep politics out of it.

 

[Jimi]

I don't think it is dislike of individuals - I have said many times here and elsewhere that the average American is among the most open, generous and considerate people on the Planet.

The rest of the world sees you as a nation of know-nothing, over-consumptive xenophobes... Which is, of course, absurd.

But get you guys in a group, and the tendency to "circle the wagons" is very common, in my opinion. Many other nations likely see this as supremely arrogant.

I see it as your "from the cradle" indoctrination into the "American Way" - and, as a model, your Patriotism is not a bad one.

But, like the English, many Americans still want the same American Experience when they travel to whatever continent...

The politics of the government , this self-focus because of your media and schooling, and your justifiable pride in what America has achieved, are all factors...

That's my take, anyway.

 

[Texan]

I dont' know about you, but I have realized that our image to the rest of the world actually does have an affect on the way the rest of the world treats us. I think a lot of Americans -- like you or not -- haven't realized that. For instance, I'm terribly worried about what the Middle East thinks of us for the ridiculous role we've played in the whole "war against terrorism" and now the battle between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Besides, Bush's blatant ignorance about what the international community thinks about the United States is one of the biggest problems I see facing him and his administration. That is a dangerous position to take when the world doesn't just depend on America to function, but also the rest of the countries, working together to make the world a better place on the whole for us to live in. Believe it or not, it's pretty much a team effort, and for Bush -- and Americans -- to flout their excellence in the face of other nations who make just as many contributions to the world society as America does is foolish and, I think, offensive.

Please pardon my "whining," but I find ego-centrism a problem. Maybe you should, too.

Busty, your questions/concerns seem sincere, and without the intellectual arrogance of "some" others; and I shouldn't "bait" you the way I was.

Busty, I am probably more aware of how other countries view the U.S. than most people you will talk with. I grew up mostly outside the U.S. and for the last 17 years, I have traveled internationally more than 35 weeks each year. I work for a Swiss company and I manage operations and sales in Latin America.

Let me give you a little perspective. You and I are Americans. You don't like Bush...... I do. You think the "War against terrorism" is a sham...... I think it's been handled pretty damn well. You probably favor Palestine in their conflict with Israel..... I think Arafat is a war-monger who wants regional war in the worst way....... NOW, if you and I can have such diametrically different views of politics and social policy in America, but we are both Americans, WHY IN THE HELL would we expect people from any other country in the world to agree with either one of us on anything.........?????????

Most people in the world have a bit of resentment for the U.S. because we have so much influence on their lives, but we really never acknowledge their existence. What I mean is this, the export of American pop-culture through movies, TV, and music has a daily and very noticable influence on the daily lives of most people in the world. Yet, we are like the older brother who is adored by the younger brother, but we ignore him in public.

The Middle-East is another story completely. That seems to be a land of tribalism and hatred. As the world gets smaller, the reach of middle-eastern hatred reaches further. We are no longer out of reach. Just NEVER blame the actions of the criminal on the behavior of the victim.

My reasons for saying (in my earlier post) that I really don't care what the rest of the world thinks about America or Americans, is that I don't think there is a damn thing we can do to help our "image" in the rest of the world. Regardless to our actions and policies, we are damned if we do, and damned if we don't.